When it comes
to modeling, Shailah Edmonds was one of the best. Nowadays she
spends much of her time giving young people an honest view of the
modeling business and helping them reach their dream of becoming a
professional model.
Shailah was
exposed to the modeling business while living in Washington, D.C.
She was working for the telephone company and going to school to
become an elementary school teacher when a woman named Ruth Turner
noticed some “star qualities” in her. Turner sent Edmonds to
New
York City for a model competition. Shailah won the runway
division, was picked up by a major agent and began her
professional career as a model. That was 25 years ago.
Shailah Edmonds career has been unusually long because, according
to Edmonds, many models lose
interest, get discouraged and find other careers. When she was a
young model Edmonds was focused and determined. After New York
Edmonds took off to Germany. She settled in Munich with
International
TalentsAgency
that re-shot her portfolio and for six months Edmonds did major
bookings in runway, print and TV.
Shailah
later moved to Milan, Italy for three months where did
lots of print work for major magazines, and shows for such
designers as: Versace,
Armani, Ferre, Fendi
and Gucci.
Shailah's sense of adventure led her to Paris where she lived for
two and a half years working exclusively for many of the
industry's most celebrated designers including Yves St.
Laurent, Dior, Givenchy, Valentino and Claude Montana.
From Paris,
Edmonds found herself working in such countries as: Japan,
Africa, Spain, Portugal and all over Europe. At this juncture of
her career Edmonds was considered an international runway star and
featured in
Harpers
Bazaar,Vogue, Elle magazines. She also
appeared on CNN's
Style with Elsa Klensch, VH1's Fashion TV, MTV
and other television
programs.
From what we
can gather, the modeling business is not all glamour. There are
aspects of this business that are brutal, especially to those who
are not prepared for the working realities of life as a model.
Shailah is changing that with her modeling experience and savvy
business acumen. She created the
Runway To Success video series, which is an all-inclusive tool for the modeling
business.
Runway To Success includes the business
of modeling, makeup tips, photo movement, exercise for men and
women, plus size, children, valuable information for parents and
of course the best runway instruction.
Shailah is
very busy, however, she graciously gave us time to talk with her
about her modeling career, video series and modeling seminars. My
experience reflects that many people, especially, young girls, get
ripped off by unscrupulous agents and modeling agencies. Not only
do they lose money, their hopes and dreams of becoming a model are
almost always shattered.
If you or
someone you know want to be a model, you would be well served to
read this interview.
The Shailah Edmonds
Interview
BMIA.com:
What is the most common myth or misperception about being a
professional model?
Shailah Edmonds:
The most common myth with models is that they think they can
become stars overnight. It takes lots of work, time, perseverance,
and you must have money to invest in yourself.
BMIA.com:
What prompted you to start modeling and runway seminars for young
(teenage) models?
Shailah Edmonds:
I was very disappointed in the way the new models were walking on
the runway. I also saw so many young people with potential that
didn’t know where to start. I felt giving seminars for them is my
way of giving back for all the good that has come my way.
BMIA.com:
You’ve proven to be a very savvy businessperson. Tell us about
Runway To Success and your videos.
Shailah Edmonds:
As an International model, I was constantly asked how to get
started as a model. I found myself giving so much good advice; I
decided I should get paid for it. By putting this information on
video, I could get this information to everyone all over the
world, as well as give him or her a visual concept of what the
business is about. My latest video,
The Runway To Success
is an all-inclusive tool for the business. It includes the
business of modeling, makeup tips, photo movement, exercise for
men and women, plus size, children, valuable information for
parents and of course the best runway instruction.
BMIA.com:
You conduct a variety of modeling seminars. Which ones are the
most popular?
Shailah Edmonds:
I work with an organization called the IMTA (International Model
and Talent Association) where I host seminars for a week and then
the model is exposed to all the top agents in the business. I
also conduct my own six-week seminars in New York City. Both of
these are quite popular.
BMIA.com:
What makes your modeling seminars and videos different from the
competition?
Shailah Edmonds:
My seminars include current information and walking technique that
is happening in the major markets. I also rarely release one from
my seminar without seeing a visible difference in their walk and
attitude.
BMIA.com:
How would you describe your status in the industry? Are you a
“supermodel?”
Shailah Edmonds:
My title is “The Catwalk Diva”.
I was out there before the Supermodel; traveling around the world
several times doing shows for all the top designers. Out of all
the Supermodels, Naomi
Campbell is the
only one who comes close to my walk, and she just perfected it in
the last 5 years or so.
BMIA.com:
How involved are you with the business aspect of your career?
Shailah Edmonds:
Very involved. Any model, as I am, must be totally
involved in the business aspect of their career.
BMIA.com:
Are there any modeling jobs that you won’t do?
Shailah Edmonds:
Yes, free ones! Unless it’s for a charity that I support. I am
also very real about where I belong in the business. I won’t do a
show with hip-hop clothing or very young models that would make me
look totally out of place.
BMIA.com:
Have you done any nude modeling?
Shailah Edmonds:
No, but I’m not against nude modeling if a top fashion or
commercial photographer tastefully does it. One should not begin
their career this way.
BMIA.com:
What’s the best part of being a model?
Shailah Edmonds:
The clothes, the travel, the parties, the great people
you meet and the MONEY!
BMIA.com:
What’s the worst part of being a model?
Shailah Edmonds:
Long hours, having to deal with mean people who don’t respect you
and never being sure of what tomorrow will bring. There is
rejection and cancellations all the time.
BMIA.com:
How big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Shailah Edmonds:
Sex sells in pictures and on the runway, but its all an illusion.
One should follow their morals and listen to their heart, as with
any other business.
BMIA.com:
What characteristics do you look for in a model?
Shailah Edmonds:
Models must meet height and weight requirements. They must be
well groomed and have an air of confidence about them. The look
must be interesting and personality is a definite plus.
BMIA.com:
How long do you plan to stay in the business?
Shailah Edmonds:
Until the phone stops ringing!
BMIA.com:
What do you want to do when you’re modeling career is over?
Shailah Edmonds:
I am playing around now with a singing/songwriting career
featuring jazz and blues. I would also like to write a book and
have it turned into a movie or a soap opera. I will always
continue to train models either in my own school or privately.
BMIA.com:What advice would you
give to women who want to become professional models?
Shailah Edmonds:Make sure you meet the
height and weight requirements. Start taking pictures and sending
them to agents in your area to get some feedback to see if you
have the potential. Get books and videos (like mine!) and obtain
knowledge about the business. It is a business! Practice often,
keep up with the fashion magazines, don’t be shy and no negative
attitudes. Like any other business, what you put into it, you’ll
get out of it.
BMIA.com:
Shailah, thank you for your time.
Shailah Edmonds:
Thank you.
Shailah Edmonds is a working model in New
York City, and an avid modeling instructor and coach. She has
produced a top selling video entitled
The
model Luvely has been modeling and working promotions for over a
decade. Her experience is primarily in runway and live promotions,
however, she recently started acting. Her goals are lofty and her
willingness to work hard and work smart is strong. Luvely was recently
interviewed by Black Men In America.com. She’s a hard working young
lady who has more going for her than good looks. To learn more about
Luvely, check out our interview with her.
BMIA.com: You go by the name Luvely. Is that your given or legal
name?
Luvely: No, Luvely isn’t my legal name. I started off using it as
a reference to my sorority affiliation, and it just sort of stuck. I
prefer not to use my real name when I model because many models have had
issues with employment. When an employer does a Google.com search on
someone’s name, all sites with their name are shown in the query. Some
don’t consider modeling a true profession and frown upon it. I prefer to
keep my professional career and my modeling career separate.
BMIA.com: How and when did you get into the modeling business?
Luvely: I was an ugly kid, so I got started a little late at the
age of 24. A friend of mine was modeling for Barbizon and suggested that
I audition for them. I did and they signed me on the spot. The
admissions director recommended that rather than pay $2,000+ for their
course, I should take a couple of one-on-one sessions with an
instructor. I’m glad that I did because I feel that I got more out of it
than I would have in the classes. The admissions director was very
honest and I learned a lot from her. She actually has her own
model/talent company in the St. Louis area, Promotions Unlimited.
BMIA.com: What part of the country did you grow up?
Luvely: I’m a small town girl, born and raised in Clinton, MO. The
population is around 10,000 people which is booming compared to what it
was when I was growing up there. It’s about an hour and a half southeast
of Kansas City, MO.
BMIA.com: What were you doing before you became a model?
Luvely: I was a student at Lincoln University of Missouri majoring
in business administration. I was also a wife and young mother.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Luvely: The flexibility. I’m able to fit shoots and other projects
in when I have the time. But, I’m paid like I’ve worked a week at my day
job.
BMIA.com: There are a lot of models in the business and on the
Internet. What makes you different?
Luvely: I would have to say my professionalism. Modeling is more
than just smiling for the camera; it’s a business and a craft and should
be treated like such. I make it a point to know what’s going on behind
the camera as well as in the boardroom. I’ve run into only a handful of
other models who do the same.
BMIA.com: How involved are you with the business aspect of your career?
Luvely: I’m totally involved. I’m an African-American petite model
in the Midwest. My area isn’t exactly the industry Mecca, so I do a lot
of freelance work. I have taken the time to research, create and locate
modeling opportunities not only for me, but for other Missouri models as
well. I formed the Missouri Model Team a little over a year ago for this
purpose,
http://www.MissouriModelTeam.tk. The members are models from
Missouri and surrounding states as well as photographers, casting agents
and other industry professionals. Opportunities are posted there as well
as answers to questions and advice.
BMIA.com: Are there any modeling jobs that you won’t do? Have you done
any nude modeling?
Luvely: I’m really not too big on music videos, unless I’m
actually acting. Let’s face it; you don’t necessarily have to be a model
or an actress to shake your butt for the camera. I did shoot a music
video for a St. Louis artist back in October. I played a casting
director. The experience was fantastic. I don’t pose nude. I’ve had
several opportunities to do so over the years, but I’ve just never had
an interest. My 9-year-old daughter is a model/actress and I feel that I
need to set a good example for her. My rule is that if it’s a shoot or
project that I wouldn’t allow her to be present for or allow her to see
the photos from, I won’t do it. I’d also like to stress here that models
do not have to pose nude in order to make it in the industry. In fact,
many models have cut their careers short by doing so early in their
careers.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Luvely: I’ve been fortunate enough to have nothing but positive
experiences. The best part about modeling is the networking. I’ve worked
with several fantastic photographers and other models who have the same
motivation as I do. I’ve also made some other great industry connections
that I feel will be very useful in my future endeavors.
BMIA.com: What’s the worst part of being a model?
Luvely: The only bad thing about this industry is the fact that
there are so many who are out there simply to take advantage of models.
It makes it very, very hard to trust and makes it even harder for
legitimate agencies and photographers to succeed. Modeling is an ego
driven industry that is fueled by dreams. There are many out there who
prey upon those egos and dreams and take advantage of naïve and/or up
and coming models.
BMIA.com: How big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Luvely: Sex sells and is a huge factor in marketing at large. Sex
sells everything from shampoo to cars. That’s just a reality.
BMIA.com: Tell us about your web site. Has having a web site helped
you as a model? Please explain.
Luvely: I dabble in website design and created my own at
http://www.Luvely.tk. I feel that it’s helped me as a model because
it’s provided me with a medium showcase my work, my resume and other
information and have it available worldwide. I have a tracker on the
site that tells me who, what, when and where my site has been viewed.
It’s amazing to me how so many different countries have viewed the site
and how viewers are directed to my site. Exposure = Opportunities.
BMIA.com: How important is a photographer in your business?
A good
photographer is of the utmost importance. I also believe that it’s a
good idea to work with a wide variety of photographers. Each one has new
ideas to share and they each have a different eye. Each one will also
bring out something different in you, not just different poses but
different personalities as well. Using a variety of photographers also
gives you a diverse portfolio.
BMIA.com: Do you have a favorite photographer that you would like to
acknowledge?
Luvely: All of the photographers I’ve worked with have done a
great job. And I still have a growing list of photographers that I’d
love to have the opportunity to work with. My most recent work was done
with Tim Rogers from the Washington, D.C. area. He did a fantastic job
and I look forward to working with him again when I’m on the east coast.
BMIA.com: Are you married? Single? Have a significant other?
Luvely: LOL- I was married for 7 years. Currently I am single.
BMIA.com: What characteristics do you look for in a mate?
Luvely: At the risk of sounding clique’, I’m looking for someone
who’s real; someone who is upfront about who and what they are and what
they are about. I really don’t like dating. It seems like a lot of time
is spend trying to find someone worthy of spending your time, then you
find out that they really aren’t who or what you thought they were in
the beginning. I look for someone who is as versatile as I am…I like to
go out on the town, but I love a good “BlockBuster Night,” too. I’m also
looking for someone who has an appreciation for me as a person and
someone I can relate to on all levels. I think I’ve found him.
BMIA.com: How long do you plan to stay in the modeling business?
Luvely: Well, I’m turning 31 in September…so I’m a dinosaur in
this industry LOL. I would like to model for as long as I’m still
marketable, but I really want to get into the acting field. There’s much
more longevity there. I’ve also been getting more and more into the
administrative side of modeling and consulting for websites. I’m really
enjoying it all.
BMIA.com: You’re also an independent businesswoman affiliated with Mary
Kay products. How’s that going?
Luvely: I love Mary Kay! I think that I was probably my director’s
easiest recruit. I’ve been stalked for years by Mary Kay consultants to
sell. I sold jewelry for 8 years and sells is really my forte. And I’ve
been playing in makeup since I was 5, so I was an easy fit –LOL-. Mary
Kay’s marketing plan, their incentives and rewards programs are very,
very impressive to me. The real goal with Mary Kay isn’t to “push
lipstick”, we’re all about empowering women by providing them an avenue
of self employment and helping them feel good about themselves. If we
look beautiful, we feel beautiful. I became an Independent Beauty
Consultant on May 10th of this year, and I will be a DIQ
(Director in Qualification) by June 10th. My next step will
be my Directorship and my pink Cadillac. MK offers me the flexibility to
be able to invest as much time or as little time as I like. We operate
on the premise of God first, family second and career third. You can’t
go wrong with a plan like that.
Anyone
interested in hearing about the opportunities that Mary Kay has to
offer, please email me at
ALHill08@MaryKay.com or visit my web site at
http://www.MaryKay.com/ALHill08. (Okay, that was my shameless plug…)
BMIA.com: What do you want to do when you’re modeling career is over?
Luvely: I want to continue helping and consulting others in the
modeling industry. I have several irons in the fire, both personal and
joint, that will definitely keep me busy for years to come.
BMIA.com: What advice would you give to women who want to become
professional models?
Luvely: Never underestimate your gut instinct. Anything that
sounds too good to be true usually is, especially in this industry.
Don’t be
afraid to ask questions of those who have expressed an interest in
working with you. Legitimate agencies/photographers will gladly answer
any questions you may have. Ask for references. Don’t be afraid to ask
others in the industry if they know the agency/photographer/or project
that you have an interest in.
Know
what you are getting yourself into ALWAYS. Take the time to read all
contracts and have legal counsel review your contracts. Discuss projects
at length so that you know what is expected of you before you arrive.
Bottom
line, use your head!
At
this time, I’d like to take the opportunity to thank you for the
opportunity to be heard in their forum. I wish you continued success.
Roneique: I booked my first job when I was 7 years old and caught the
bug. Thankfully, my mother insisted that I concentrate on my studies
until I got a little older and wiser. When I turned 18, I jumped into it
head first. My first shoot was with LaMonte McLemore for Jet Magazine,
and it kind of snowballed from there.
BMIA.com: What were you doing before you became a model?
Roneique: I was a teacher’s assistant at a high school in Los
Angeles.
BMIA.com: Tell me about your background. Where did you grow up?
Where did you go to school? Major?
Roneique: I was born in Battle Creek, Michigan on May 8, 1975. My
childhood was incredible… I don’t think that it would have been possible
to have a more wonderful, solid, and huge family. At the age of 12, my
mother Phyllis, father Robert, and I moved to LA. I attended Beverly
Hills High School and did 2 years of pre-med studies in college before I
decided to pursue my modeling career full time.
BMIA.com: How involved are you with the business aspect of your
career?
Roneique: Extremely! It is so crucial to be able to negotiate,
market, and properly represent your perspective. I always advise new
girls to speak up and take a hands-on approach. A closed mouth doesn’t
get fed!
BMIA.com: Is modeling your full time job?
Roneique: Yes.
BMIA.com: Are there any modeling jobs that you won’t accept?
Roneique: For sure! You’d be amazed at some of the “offers” that you
get!
BMIA.com:
Like
what? What kind of offers?
Roneique: I have
had guys ask me to "model" as their birthday gift. There are also your
garden variety porno offers.
BMIA.com: Have you done any nude modeling?
Roneique: I have done work for Playboy in the past. The human body is a
remarkable work of art. There is nothing wrong with showcasing it in a
beautiful way.
BMIA.com: Have you ever done pornography?
Roneique: No, I haven’t done any pornography. If that’s what someone
wants to do, then I have no problem with it. It just isn’t my cup of
tea.
BMIA.com: What’s the best part of being a model?
Roneique: For me, it has been being able to blaze trails for other ethnic
models. It is always so fulfilling to be the first Black model that a
company has hired. With that comes the responsibility to blow them out
of the water and to show them what they’ve been missing. I just shot the
cover for Musclemag with a good friend bodybuilder Chris Cormier. It is
the first Black cover in about 15 years, even though bodybuilding is a
Black dominated sport. When I got the proofs, I was like “yeah, they’re
finally waking up”!!! Twelve years ago it was all about blonde hair and
flat butts!
BMIA.com:
You are considered a swimsuit model. Is that your specialty
or do you take other modeling jobs?
Roneique: I’m flexible. I am a swimsuit/fitness model by trade, but I
do all kinds of other work ranging from feature films to commercials.
BMIA.com: What’s the worst part of being a model?
Roneique: The Hollywood games can be a bit much! There is someone
always trying to hit on you in some sly way.
BMIA.com: Walk me through a typical day for Roneique Banks?
Roneique: Beach shoots are usually my longest days. I am absolutely,
positively not a morning person! I get up around 3:30 a.m., wash my
hair, shower, get dressed, and head out by 5 a.m. By 5:30 I am usually
in the makeup chair and on the beach by 6 or 6:30. We usually shoot
until the sun goes down (the prettiest light is at sunset). After it’s
over, it’s time for some doughnuts!
BMIA.com:
What’s your status? Married? Single?
Roneique: No comment.
BMIA.com: What characteristics do you look for in a mate?
Roneique: I look for strength. Not only physical strength, but also
real strength: strength of character. It is really important for my man
to be emotionally stable, secure, active, funny, intelligent, open
minded, spontaneous, creative, family oriented, and respectful.
BMIA.com: Is it difficult for you to have a relationship and a
career?
Roneique:
That’ where strength and security really come in. A lot of
men are very intimidated by what I do. I am just a normal woman who
happens to have a not so ordinary profession. If my man is truthful and
good to me, I’ll never look in another direction.
BMIA.com: Who are some of the people that motivate and inspire you?
Roneique: I am very inspired by my mother. She is the epitome of real
beauty, courage, and grit. My mother has this way of moving you to do
your best. Tina, my best friend, is also an incredible source of
inspiration and truth for me. She is that real woman that every young
girl should sit down and take notes from!
BMIA.com: Name some of the magazines and web site that have featured
you?
Roneique: I have been featured in many magazines such as Stuff, Black
Men, Lowrider (cover), Details, Musclemag (cover), Fit Beauties,
American Curves, Wheels (2 covers), and Ironman. I model for numerous
lingerie companies as well as my own website
www.banksaddiction.net.
BMIA.com: How big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Roneique: Let’s face it, sex sells! You have to be able to provide
sexiness without promising sex.
BMIA.com: How long do you plan to stay in the business?
Roneique: I am not going to put a date on it. It has been good to me and
I’m going to enjoy it to the fullest. I think that women come into a
different type of beauty as they acquire wisdom, self-knowledge and
confidence that the camera definitely loves.
BMIA.com:
What do you want to do when you’re modeling career is over?
Roneique: I want to eventually become a real estate investor.
BMIA.com: What advice would you give to women who want to become
professional models?
Roneique: Know who you are and work it! Beauty comes in all sorts of
shapes, sizes, and colors. “No” is a very powerful word, so speak up and
be true to yourself.
Joyce and Debra Glenn,
better known as The Glenn Twins (TGT)were born in Ft. Campbell, Kentucky on March 12, 1984. Their
father was in the army and as a result their family traveled the world.
The Glenn Twins are in their third year at Savannah State University.
Education is an important component in their family. Joyce holds a 4.0
GPA and Debra holds a 3.9 GPA. Both young ladies are Accounting majors
and are on academic scholarships. Joyce and Debra are full time
students and model full time during the summer vacation and whenever
possible during the school year.
The two
have been modeling since the tender age of 16. A representative from a
modeling agency approached the girls at a concert in Atlanta. They
later signed with that agency and got a few jobs here and there. The
learned to network with other agencies and booked more jobs. They
currently work with Ethnicity Models Management and Promotion
based out of Miami, Florida.
The
Glenn Twins have appeared in several music videos, magazines, calendars,
a cosmetic catalogue/commercial, and in several mini-movies and industry
promotional events.
Jana Stewart : The
Picture of Health
May I be
honest with you? How can I say this? I have never found women who are
bodybuilders to be “my cup of tea.” The few women that I’ve seen have
been too cut and too ripped for my taste. They had lost some of their
feminine qualities.
I know
that beauty is a subjective thing. Think about it. One man’s Beyoncé is another man’s Aunt Esther.
Well
folks, I’m here to tell you that Jana Stewart has changed my
perspective. Jana has the right balance—of fitness and beauty. When
you couple that with her tenacity and drive to be successful, you end up
with a beautiful and winning combination. Simply stated, this woman is
a winner.
Everybody has a story to tell and Jana’s story began early in life when
her parents enrolled her in a variety of activities. She participated
in softball, cheerleading, dance, gymnastics and theater all before the
age of 16. In high school Jana continued to participate in cheerleading
and even tried powder puff football during her senior year and coached a
cheerleading team.
After
graduating, Jana attended Florida A&M University. It was at this stage
of her life that Jana focused her attention on academics. She earned a
Bachelors of Science degree in Business Economics and a Masters degree
in Public Administration.
Armed with her degrees she moved to the ATL (Atlanta, GA) and worked for
Arthur Andersen and IBM. She really got into fitness while planning a
trip to Cancun. She wanted to make sure that she was “bikini ready.”
Since that time, she’s been focused on good health, fitness and
nutrition.
Jana
Stewart is an inspiring young talent. Check out our interview with her
and get motivated.
BMIA.com: Hello
Jana. Thanks for taking time out of your schedule for this interview.
What part of the country did you grow up?
Jana Stewart: Thank you for the opportunity. I grew up in Southfield, MI. I’m
the only girl. I have two older brothers.
BMIA.com: Where
did you go to school?
Jana Stewart: I attended Southfield High School and then went on to get my
Bachelors and Masters degree from Florida A&M University.
BMIA.com: Do
you consider yourself to be more of a model, fitness expert, trainer or
competitor?
Jana Stewart: I really consider myself to be all of the above. My first love
is competing, I also love modeling, and it’s the mission of my company
(J Fitness)
to help everybody learn to live a healthy lifestyle.
BMIA.com: Tell
us more about the competitive aspects of your career.
Jana Stewart: Well I compete in Figure competitions.
BMIA.com:
Figure competitions? OK, help a brother out. What’s that?
Jana Stewart: It’s a form of bodybuilding, but we are supposed to be less
muscular and curvier. But we train just like bodybuilders and endurance
athletes. I train twice a day and I have a very strict diet that I
follow weeks before a show. Right now I’m getting ready for the Iron
Man Figure Competition in Pasadena, CA (Feb 18).
BMIA.com: Less
muscular and less curvier. I like that. Can’t you tell by looking at
my physique?
Jana Stewart: I’m not going there. LOL!
BMIA.com: Is
there such a thing as “fitness modeling?”
Jana Stewart: Yes.
BMIA.com: What
is it?
Jana Stewart: You can find fitness models in all the Fitness magazines.
Sometimes clients like a more toned and fit look.
BMIA.com: What
were you doing before you became a model?
Jana Stewart: What I’m still doing now. Working in the Medical Sales field. I
love competing and modeling but until I get a big sponsorship deal, I
have to work a 9 to 5.
BMIA.com: How
did you get interested in bodybuilding and health and fitness?
Jana Stewart: I started reading Oxygen magazine; I wanted to look like the
women in those magazines. So I started contacting some of them. I even
went to visit a few of them, and then I decided to compete like them.
BMIA.com: Has
having a healthy lifestyle affected you in other areas of your life?
Jana Stewart: Oh YES! Some of my friends don’t want to hang out with me
anymore because they think I’m boring and have no life because I don’t
hang out drinking all the time.
BMIA.com: I’m not surprised.
Jana Stewart: Some men get really intimidated, not really sure why. I
sometimes don’t have time to be as social as I’d like because after
working a full day, training twice a day, working on J Fitness projects,
prepping for competitions. I just don’t have time for anything but the
bed.
BMIA.com: OK,
tell the truth. Do you really enjoy working out or is it more of a
necessity?
Jana Stewart: I LOVE working out! Even if I were not competing, I’d still
train like I do now. It makes me feel so good.
BMIA.com: Wow.
Well it shows. What does a typical workout routine for you consist of?
Jana Stewart: I get up at 3AM, do drills in the pool for 30 – 40 minutes,
weight train for 30 – 60 min., and then do 45 – 60 minutes of cardio.
BMIA.com: Wait
a minute. 3:00 am? How did you get so knowledgeable about fitness,
beauty and nutrition?
Jana Stewart: I read a lot, I surround myself with very knowledgeable people,
and I presently have and have had in the past, really great trainers.
BMIA.com: There
are a lot of models on the Internet. What makes you different?
Jana Stewart: I’m not just your typical fitness model, I work with some of the
best fashion photographers in the industry…so if you want bikini, I can
give you that, but if you prefer evening gown, I can give you that to.
I also have a great attitude and I truly want to help people achieve
their goals.
BMIA.com: How
involved are you with the business aspect of your career?
Jana Stewart: Very much so. I recently signed a contract with Honey Bunny
Model Management. Although they do a lot of my promoting, etc., for me,
I’m still very involved. I run J Fitness by myself, it’s a lot of hard
work, but Health and Fitness is really my passion. I live for this.
BMIA.com: Are
there any modeling jobs that you won’t do?
Jana Stewart: I will not pose nude and I would not be caught dead doing some of
these trashy photos that I’m seeing on the Internet. There’s a way to
be sensual and sexy without looking like a prostitute. And just to
prove that, my membership section will be up in a few weeks, very sexy
shots, but classy also.
BMIA.com:
What’s the best part of being a model?
Jana Stewart: The great photos that I’ll have forever. Also, it makes me keep
my beauty regime in check…there’s no time for slacking when at any given
point you may have to pose in a bikini.
BMIA.com: How
big a factor is sex in the modeling business?
Jana Stewart: For some, it’s a big factor because that’s the only way they can
get work. For me, I have standards, if what’s on my comp card is not
good enough to get me the job, then no thanks!!
BMIA.com: Tell
us about your web site. Has having a web site helped you as a model?
Please explain.
Jana Stewart: Yes, www.janastewart.com has helped a
great deal. When I first got me web site, it was not that great. But
my manager recently reworked it and I LOVE it. I’ve gotten all sorts of
great feedback. My online store and members section will be up and
running soon!!! It’s good to have an interesting, exciting web site.
On my site, you can get to know me, what I’m doing, how I do in my
shows, but then you can also go to the Training sections and get work
outs and diet tips. Coming soon I’ll have live downloads of me
demonstrating some of my training drills.
BMIA.com: Girl
you are doing it? Are you married? Single? Have a significant other?
Jana Stewart: No, No, Not yet.
BMIA.com: LOL!
How long do you plan to stay in the modeling and fitness business?
Jana Stewart: I plan to compete for about 7 more years. I’ll always be in the
fitness business.
BMIA.com: Where
do you see yourself 5 years from now?
Jana Stewart: Doing the same thing, only working just for J Fitness, helping
people to achieve their goals.
BMIA.com: What
advice would you give to working women who want to live healthy and
active lives, but can’t seem to find the time and energy to work out and
eat healthy?
Jana Stewart: I’d tell them that even if they can spare 20 minutes out of a
day, they can do some type of physical activity to help get, keep them
in shape. Eating healthy is very important, but it does not mean
starving yourself. I know that women are busy these days and have
little time to prepare food, but little things like getting salad
dressing on the side, avoiding sugar filled pop, cutting meals in ½ and
eating every 2 – 3 hours can really knock off some pounds.
BMIA.com: Is
there anything that you want to share with our readers that you didn’t
get a chance to in this interview?
Jana Stewart: Please feel free to e-mail me at:
jana@janastewart.comwith any questions that you have. Please check my schedule often,
if I’m in a city near you, come by to see me. I’d love to meet you
all. I love meeting people from all walks of life. Thanks for taking
the time to read my interview…I look forward to hearing from you.
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